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Donald Selvaag

Donald Selvaag, 84, of Vining died Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at his residence.

Donald Selvaag was born October 12, 1929 at the family homestead just southwest of the Vining Cemetery to Albin and Olga (Johnson) Selvaag.

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They later moved to Folden Township where he spent his youth on the family farm. He attended rural school through the 8th grade. As was typical at the time, he then left school to work on the farm.

Don met and married his one true love, Deloris Anderson on September 16, 1951 at Nidaros Lutheran Church. They settled in rural Vining and spent time briefly in Minnetonka and Battle Lake before settling in Vining. Here they raised their family: sons, Allan and Gary and daughters, Kristine and KayAnn.

Through the years, Don worked at a number of jobs. He farmed in Folden Township, as a mechanic in Battle Lake and at the Rigid Ironing Board factory and Minneapolis Moline in the Twin Cities. He drove milk truck for the Vining Co-op Creamery, before starting his own milk hauling business, Dons Dairyline. He successfully ran that business for many years. Don later worked for Dieseth Construction, Froslee Blacktopping and Performance Paving. He loved driving truck. Don and Deloris also spent a year operating Mallard Bay Resort on Stuart Lake.

Don was very involved in church and civic duties. He spent many years serving on the church council, Vining city council and as Mayor of Vining for nearly 20 years. Don was also active in Sons of Norway and Pairs and Squares square dancing club. Don and Deloris were also instrumental in starting and organizing Vining Watermelon Day.

Don had a love for music and storytelling. He spent hours playing music with his uncle, cousins and father. Don still loved strumming a tune on his guitar and serenading grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved telling a story or two from the "old days". Don and Deloris also loved Minnesotas North Shore. They spent hours exploring waterfalls and agate beaches or waiting for a ship to pass into Duluth Harbor.

Dons favorite pastime was spending time with his family. His absolute favorite thing to do was to sing a lullaby and rock a baby to sleep. Don taught all of his children the importance of hard work, serving others and love of family. He set a great example.